A top-of-the-table (almost) clash between St Patrick’s Athletic and Shamrock Rovers is the pick of tonight’s League of Ireland action.
Pat’s are at the summit despite last Monday’s defeat to Dundalk, while the Hoops are in third place, but are just a point behind Stephen Kenny’s side.
Rovers won the first meeting this season between these two rivals, but the Saints have gone on a fine run of form since then.
Meanwhile, Bohemians host Sligo Rovers and are hoping to return to winning ways after drawing their last four games in a row.
All 10 teams are in action on Friday night – so for all the details, including odds and where to watch the games, read on…
WATERFORD v DROGHEDA UNITED
Waterford manager Jon Daly is eager to turn a couple of impressive draws into a win that has proved elusive for his side so far this season.
Yet to secure a victory in their 10 Premier Division games to date, the Blues held Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians both to 1-1 draws last weekend.
Daly said: “I believe if we can bring the same levels we’ve shown in the last two games then we can get that win on Friday. It will be a difficult task. Drogheda will pose different problems for us.”
Conan Noonan, John Mahon and Evan McLaughlin all face assessments ahead of kick-off, but Tommy Lonergan has recovered from the injury he picked up with the Ireland Under-21s.
Stephen McMullan, Sam Glenfield and Finlay Armstrong are all still injured.
Drogheda’s Owen Lambe, Scott Brady and Shane Farrell are out.
What time is kick-off: 7.45pm
Where can I watch it: The game is being streamed on LOITV
What are the odds: Waterford 2/1, Drogheda United 23/20, Draw 23/10
Verdict: Away win
GALWAY UNITED v SHELBOURNE
John Caulfield wants a big crowd to get behind Galway United’s bid for a hat-trick of wins on the bounce.
Having beaten Derry City and Drogheda United over the Easter weekend, they host Shelbourne tonight, and Cauflield said: “Hopefully we will have a big support again. We are looking forward to it.”
Killian Brouder is in line to make his 200th appearance for the club.
Sean Moore, Odhran Casey and Milan Mgeng remain sidelined for Shelbourne.
What time is kick-off: 7.45pm
Where can I watch it: LOITV
What are the odds: Galway United 19/10, Shelbourne 13/10, Draw 21/10
Verdict: Draw
BOHEMIANS v SLIGO ROVERS
Bohemians manager Alan Reynolds is eager to get back to winning ways after his still unbeaten side drew their last four games in a row.
Reynolds said: “At the start of the season, any team would have taken being joint top of the table and unbeaten 10 games in.
“But our players are frustrated with themselves because we feel that we have left points behind us in recent weeks.”
Reynolds is missing suspended captain Dawson Devoy for tonight’s visit of Sligo Rovers, while Senan Mullen (illness) and Douglas James-Taylor (knee) are doubts. Dayle Rooney (knee) is definitely out.
Rovers boss John Russell should welcome Jad Hakiki, Shane Blaney and Ciaron Harkin back into his matchday plans.
What time is kick-off: 7.45pm
Where can I watch it: LOITV
What are the odds: Bohemians 1/3, Sligo Rovers 7/1, Draw 7/2
Verdict: Home win
DUNDALK v DERRY CITY
Ciaran Kilduff admits “confidence is high” as his newly promoted side continues their sensational return to Premier Division action.
The Lilywhites are fourth in the table and have won four of their last five games, with a draw against Bohemians the only exception.
With struggling Derry City the visitors tonight, Kilduff said: “We’re on a good run ourselves, and I think confidence is high in the group.
“A lot of players have stepped up in recent weeks and we’ve obviously had a great start to this three-game week, but we want to finish it with another good performance at home in front of our support.”
Daryl Horgan is suspended, while Mayowa Animasahun and Conor O’Keefe face late fitness tests, and Ronan Teahan and Danny Mullen continue to be assessed. Leo Gaxha, Rob Cornwall, Vinnie Leonard and Norman Garbett are out.
Under-pressure Derry boss Tiernan Lynch said: “We are going through a little bit of a storm at the moment but at some stage storms always blow themselves out and we have to hold tight.”
What time is kick-off: 7.45pm
Where can I watch it: LOITV
What are the odds: Dundalk 6/4, Derry City 13/8, Draw 11/5
Verdict: Home win
ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC v SHAMROCK ROVERS
Stephen Bradley welcomes Adam Brennan back into his squad for the short trip to St Patrick’s Athletic, but Dylan Watts and Dan Cleary won’t be back until next week at least.
Rory Gaffney, Lee Grace and Danny Mandroiu are out, while Bradley said of tonight’s hosts: “They’ve got good players, a lot of attacking players, which we know.
“They’re top of the league and have done well. It’s a Dublin derby, it should be a good game, a tough game, but it’s one we’re ready for and really looking forward to it.”
Pat’s have to plan without the injured Ronan Boyce, Zach Elbouzedi, Simon Power and Danny Rogers. There are doubts over Aidan Keena, Romal Palmer and Kian Leavy, after they suffered injuries against Dundalk last Monday.
What time is kick-off: 8pm
Where can I watch it: Virgin Media 2 and Virgin Media Player
What are the odds: St Patrick’s Athletic 13/10, Shamrock Rovers 19/10, Draw 21/10
Verdict: Draw